Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Drugs

What is a generic drug?

A generic drug is a lower cost version of a brand-name medication. They are just as safe and effective as the brand name, but they are more affordable.

How are generic drugs different from brand-name drugs?

The biggest difference between a generic and brand name drug is the price. Most generics cost 70-90% less than the brandname version. Generics drugs may also have a different shape, color or package. But these differences only affect how the medicine looks, not how it works.

How many people use generic drugs?

Millions of people use generic drugs every day. In fact, about 2 out of 3 prescriptions are for generic drugs. But there are still many people taking expensive brandname drugs who could save a lot of money by switching to the generic version.

Are generics really the same as the brand-name?

Yes. Generic drugs have the same medicine as the brand-name, and the FDA will not approve them unless they are just as safe and effective as the brand-name drug. There are a few special medical conditions where a generic drug might have a small difference in how it works, but that is very rare.

Why are generic drugs so much cheaper than brand-name drugs?

Most drugs cost pennies to make. Brandname drugs are more expensive because they don’t have any competition to drive the price down. Also the companies that make brand-name drugs spend billions on advertising and must make a profit to succeed as a company and justify their spending. If McDonald’s were the only place that served hamburgers, it could charge very high prices, because anyone who wanted a hamburger would have to go there. Since Burger King, Wendy’s, and many other similar places exist, the prices for hamburgers at all these stores are much lower. Each of them has to lower its prices to compete. Similarly, generic drugs compete with the brand-name drugs and drive the price down.

Why did my doctor prescribe a generic drug?

Doctors know that generic drugs are just as good as brand-name medicines and a lot more affordable. They know that many people have trouble keeping up with rising drug costs. They also know that generics have a longer safety record. So doctors prescribe generics because they want their patient to have a drug that is safe, effective, and affordable.